Young Firefighter Takes Top Honours at Inaugural Award Ceremony

Twenty-eight year old Corporal Jay Scott of the Kingston and St. Andrew (KSA) Fire Prevention Division of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), is the WorldNet Firefighter of the Year.

He was presented with the winning trophy plus a cash prize of 150,000 at an award ceremony held Thursday evening (Jan. 22), at the Hotel Four Seasons in St. Andrew.

Second place went to 35-year old Sergeant Tyrone Llewellyn of the St. Ann Division, who received $50,000 and a trophy. Twenty-seven year old firefighter Jerome Archibald of the Manchester Division, who placed third, received $25,000 and a trophy.

Corporal Scott, who was selected from among 24 hopefuls, said he is “proud and elated” to be the winner of the inaugural award.

“I am really glad that I have won and it has proven to me that my superiors are noticing what I’m trying to do in an effort to excel as a firefighter,” he told JIS News, noting that copping the award is one of the most “exciting” moments in his career to date.

The young, well-spoken firefighter, who has been a member of the JFB since 2003, said he loves his job as it provides an opportunity for him to help others.

“Becoming a firefighter is a job that gives a lot of excitement and is a career that is rewarding and fulfilling in terms of being able to help others,” he noted.

He said that despite resource constraints “the committed men and women of the brigade will continue to do their job to save lives and property.”

He lauded the organisers of the award competition, noting that it serves as an avenue to motivate firefighters to always give of their best.

In his profile, Corporal Scott is described as a hardworking, tactful and polite firefighter, who demonstrates excellent understanding of all aspects of his duties, displays exemplary conduct, and aspires to one day be at the helm of the country’s fire service.

“He communicates effectively, establishes and maintains good working relationships with co-workers and citizenry,” the profile also read.

Over his 12 years in the JFB, Corporal Scott has received awards for best academic performance and for being the best recruit. A native of St. Thomas, the majority of his years of service were spent at the brigade’s St. Thomas Division.

Corporal Scott is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology at the University of Technology (UTech).

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Dionne Jennings, in her address at the function, congratulated the awardees.

She also commended the firefighters for the work they do in protecting lives and property, often under difficult and life-threatening circumstances.

Chief Executive Officer, Worldnet Investment, Hurshel Cyrus, informed that the award programme is in keeping with the company’s corporate responsibility to give back to society and its clients.

He said the nominees went through a rigorous process of selection as they had to participate in both written and oral presentations. They were required to demonstrate excellent understanding of all aspects of their duties, as well as knowledge of procedures, and an ability to articulate the ideals of the JFB.

The award function, which saw members of the brigade abandoning their uniforms for tailored suits, was attended by senior members of the JFB, with entertainment in song provided by firefighter, Ricardo Young.

Worldnet Investment is a micro financing company that has been in operation since 1997.